LARP - A Passion For Gamers
By Steena Holmes

Live Action Role Playing, otherwise known as LARP is a role-playing game where characters actions are physically and mentally acted out. Each character has the opportunity to create a persona that fits into an imaginary role within a game setting.

Each LARP group have their own rules, costumes, participation, focus of character activity as well as genre. There are two categories to LARP - it can be played either as a game or as a campaign. A game can last for hours or days, but a campaign can be known to last for months. Each LARP will differ in size from the amount of players as well as the duration for each game.

The game will contain an interaction of three elements: a world, its rules and the people within that world. The Game Master of each LARP have the responsibility to create the imaginary world, along with its history, culture, myths and rules.

History of LARP:

LARP was originally invented by several groups beginning in the late 1970s. These groups created an environment where characters were able to experience first hand the tabletop role-playing game within a created setting. Today LARP has become a popular game in North America, Europe, Russia and Australia. There have even been large games with thousands of participants have been created by various companies. As well, various LARP books have been published and more companies have been created within the LARP industry in order to sell costumes, equipment, and foam weapons for game play.

How to Play:

Players take on the persona of a character that has been created within story setting. When a persona is taken on, this includes the characters habits, speech, and physical actions. In essence, they become the character.

Game Rules:

Game rules are used to determine how characters can affect other characters in the game. These rules will ultimately define each characters abilities, as well as items within the setting. It is the responsibility of the GMs or Game Masters of each game to create the rules necessary for each LARP.

Players:

Game Masters or GMs are those who define the LARP settings and scenarios. The GMs decide how and when characters are created. There are three categories to the people who play within a LARP setting. There are those who run the game - these are the GMs who lead the action as well as the Plot Committee who help the GMs to keep the game moving. There are those who are part of the game - classified as NPCs or non player characters. The NPCs are not considered actual players of the game, but rather they help to assist those who are playing. The last group of players are those who actually play the game - classified as PCs or player characters. These people will learn new skills to enhance their character while part of the story.

Various LARP Settings:

Espionage LARPs are usually inspired by spy fiction. These LARPs will usually avoid physical combat and real-looking weapons which could attract unwanted attention from the public and authorities.

Fantasy genre LARPs are set in historical settings inspired by fantasy literature and fantasy role-playing games such as Dungeons & Dragons. These settings will typically have low technology, will be inundated with magic, and may have fantasy races. Many fantasy LARPs will use physical combat and will focus on adventure. Fantasy is one of the most common LARP genres internationally.

LARPs within a historical setting will take place in our world history. They will normally vary from a 1930s murder mystery to a feudal Japanese Samurai story. It is important to portray accurate historical events, in both fictional content, as well as in actual props and costume.

Horror LARPs often use fictional writings or movies as their inspiration. LARPs with a horror theme can be set in any era, often crossing over historical or science fiction genres.

Mythology LARPs are set in a historical era with legendary aspects of that time. For instance a Celtic mythology LARP might include features of Celtic myth such as Druids with powers from the gods and goddesses, or legendary creatures and monsters.

Game Weapons:

Various type weapons are used within each LARP game, but the most popular are latex and foam swords. Foam swords (often misnamed foam-injected weapons) offer many advantages compared to latex weapons. These are a few of the characteristics that differentiate foam from latex weapons: spectacular realism, durability in extreme combat conditions, weather resistant, very safe.

For a superior foam sword, most characters will choose to use a foam weapon created by Calimacil. This Canadian company specializes in created foam weapons that are superior in durability, realistic looking weapons, maintenance free, weather resistant and latex free.

For more information on all Calimacil products visit http://www.calimacil.com/LARP

If you are interested in finding out more about LARP or looking for incredible foam sword be sure to visit the LARP section on Calimacil web site (http://www.calimacil.com/LARP). You will find a lot of foam weapons with a very realistic look and unique design.

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AUTHOR

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR (this is where your links or emails go and a short bio of you or something that would let us get to know you)

also, you can submit by joining the site and making a post, it works
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Spamming is considered to be multiple posts regarding the one website in order to attract traffic there for a personal gain. If you are a band you may post your band sites as much as you wish. We will accept links to sites that fit our guidelines, but this must not be abused. Please do not spam our shoutbox or comments one post is enough. We are able to ban users that are spamming to much!

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No images, avatars, signatures which are under copyright should be used unless you make quite clear who the copyright belongs to and that you are allowed to use the image for social purposes.

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Aggressive behavior towards members or staff will not be tolerated. Where a member is found to be bullying or threatening another member they will have their account locked and/or banned. Telling someone off is not considered aggressive behavior if the fucker in question starts it. Don’t be a fucker, the Faery king doesn’t like it.

If you are looking to get your CD/DVD reviewed or added to the radio blog send us disks of MP3 or CD audio, AVI, MPG, DIVX for video. We can convert many formats so you don’t have to worry. You can send us pictures or anything you want. We love getting flyers because we make a lot of flyers.

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Otherwise, we encourage you to have fun here and treat us like a friend. We don’t like snobs, people who think they are better than everyone else, or people who whine a lot. We value strength and intelligence on all levels.

WE DO NOT BELIEVE IN THE TERMS POSER OR WANNABE, PLEASE DON’T COME HERE AND ACT LIKE YOU ARE THE COOLEST PERSON EVER, BECAUSE I AM SURE EVERYONE GOES THROUGH A POSER/WANNABE FAZE SOMETIME IN LIFE. GET OVER YOURSELF. If you didn’t want to be something, you couldn’t be. So you are a wannabe too!

Thank you,

Duvy

my e-mail

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text must be in this format:

TITLE

AUTHOR

CONTENT

ABOUT THE AUTHOR (this is where your links or emails go and a short bio of you or something that would let us get to know you)

also, you can submit by joining the site and making a post, it works
like a regular blog and then I just have to approve it. If it isn’t porn
or spam, I will approve it.

Spamming is considered to be multiple posts regarding the one website in order to attract traffic there for a personal gain. If you are a band you may post your band sites as much as you wish. We will accept links to sites that fit our guidelines, but this must not be abused. Please do not spam our shoutbox or comments one post is enough. We are able to ban users that are spamming to much!

Warez, etc
Linking to malicious programs, pornography,etc. will not be tolerated at all, post them and be banned! 

Copyright
No images, avatars, signatures which are under copyright should be used unless you make quite clear who the copyright belongs to and that you are allowed to use the image for social purposes.

Adult Content
Images of nudity, real or not may be used, but only if they are portrayed in a non sexual way. Examples of images not allowed are those specifically of Male and Female genetalia, or two people engaging in any form of sexual activity. I alone have the final say on whether an image breaks these rules!

Aggressive Behavior
Aggressive behavior towards members or staff will not be tolerated. Where a member is found to be bullying or threatening another member they will have their account locked and/or banned. Telling someone off is not considered aggressive behavior if the fucker in question starts it. Don’t be a fucker, the Faery king doesn’t like it.

If you are looking to get your CD/DVD reviewed or added to the radio blog send us disks of MP3 or CD audio, AVI, MPG, DIVX for video. We can convert many formats so you don’t have to worry. You can send us pictures or anything you want. We love getting flyers because we make a lot of flyers.

Darkfaery Subculture Magazine

517 NW 95th ST

Oklahoma City, OK 73114

Otherwise, we encourage you to have fun here and treat us like a friend. We don’t like snobs, people who think they are better than everyone else, or people who whine a lot. We value strength and intelligence on all levels.

WE DO NOT BELIEVE IN THE TERMS POSER OR WANNABE, PLEASE DON’T COME HERE AND ACT LIKE YOU ARE THE COOLEST PERSON EVER, BECAUSE I AM SURE EVERYONE GOES THROUGH A POSER/WANNABE FAZE SOMETIME IN LIFE. GET OVER YOURSELF. If you didn’t want to be something, you couldn’t be. So you are a wannabe too!

Thank you,

Duvy

my e-mail

]]> http://www.darkfaery-subculture.com/uncategorized/submission-guidlines/feed/ http://www.darkfaery-subculture.com/games/soul-calibur-iv/ http://www.darkfaery-subculture.com/games/soul-calibur-iv/#comments Sat, 28 Jun 2008 02:00:07 +0000 Duvy http://www.darkfaery-subculture.com/?p=567

Soul Calibur IV
By Sharudin Rahmat

This latest installment in the Soul Calibur series will be released July 29, 2008. One of the first surprises is a guest character, Darth Vader of Star Wars fame. It also has a limited edition guide. Soul Calibur IV continues the ongoing struggle of good vs. evil being pitted against its anti-thesis, Soul Edge the cursed sword.

Expanded customization options allow you to give your character a more personalized look and feel in addition to unique skills and abilities. You can customized your characters and original favorites online as well. Another surprise in store for Soul Calibur fans: Yoda, another favorite from Star Wars will be challenging Soul Calibur warriors for the fate and future of the both the Soul Calibur sword and Soul Edge sword.

There are multiple game-play modes including:

1) Story

2) Arcade

3) Tower of Reminiscence

4) Training Practice

5) Character Creation

6) Museum View

In Soul Calibur IV we finally discover the origins of the Soul Calibur saga, and the motivation behind their possession: vengeance, honor and salvation. With its spectacular graphics and stunning visual affects, whether you are a Playstation 3 fan or Xbox, this game is an absolute must have.

It is important to note some of the following tips: Darth Vader will be a guest character on PS3 and Jedi Master Yoda on Xbox 360. The Apprentice is a key character in the upcoming Star Wars: The Force Unleashed and is a playable character on Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 versions of Soul Calibur IV. In the Tower of Lost Souls, the player will fight in special battles to gain rewards. Choosing your character’s clothing will not just affect their abilities in battle but also their appearance. Active Matching Battle (AMB) is a unique factor as it allows a character to fight multiple battles simultaneously under different circumstances. Under the new Critical Finish system there will be a Soul Gauge underneath the Health Meter. It fills up when you are on the attack and decreases when you are on guard. When that meter empties your enemy can strike you and break off part of your armor, altering your appearance and weakening you for the rest of the match. If you empty out your opponent’s Soul Gauge again, you have an opportunity to perform a Critical Finish move and kill the opponent instantly by pressing all four face buttons at the same time. I don’t know about you but I cannot wait until July 29th!

Not to be missed! Pre-order Soul Calibur IV now!

Sharudin Rahmat is webmaster for online video games store. Feel free to stop
by and check out the latest games and accessories.

On Final Fantasy VII - Crisis Core
By Nicholas Prieve

If you’re thinking about buying or downloading crisis core, spend no more time on the matter because it is worth it.

I have always been a fan of the series however I have learned to hold back my joy until I have my dirty little hands on the game and know it is a winner. While Square-Enix has released a host of terrific games, there have been some that are less than stellar to be sure.

Action:The game is certainly long enough, however it is an action RPG, so if that turns you off, it may not be the right game. The battle system was actually lacking a bit. Most of the first half of the adventure is hack and slash and the second half involved staying alive long enough to cast the powerhouse spells, pray for the right limit breaks, and fuse materia until your eyes are bleeding.

Story: Final fantasy storylines usually are fairly amazing. This one is no exception. Probobly the best feature of the game, the story got into the heavy issues of notions of god, man vs. machine, genetic modification, jealously, anger and all of the other subjects that make a person keep reading. This is bar none the best aspect of the game because it fills in many of the blanks left by the notorious Final Fantasy 7. This is enough reason alone to buy the game.

Graphics: Terrific. Enough said. I was blown away and for the first time, really saw the power of the PSP engine. You are treated to stunning summoning visuals, great in-game cutscenes and a very decorated enviornment to play in. There is a good deal of eye candy to be seen here.

Replay value: High. New game plus allows the player to go back and pick up all the goodies they missed out on. Without a strategy guide, it would be pretty easy to miss a good portion of the game and there are enough secrets to unlock that it gives the player plenty of value.

Overall, the game was very good. I give it an 8.5/10. It would be higher but for the somewhat boring and random combat system.

My background is in P & C insurance, sales, and marketing. I also work with invesments and bank products. I have worked in sales and marketing in various capacities for over six years. Much of the work has included heading PR and marketing campaigns and creating formulas for lead generation.
I can write a large number of subjects.

You can reach me at nickprieve@yahoo.com

Bakugan Set to Be a Hit in the UK
By Thomas Baugh

A new craze has swept across the whole of America and Canada from Japan and that is the hit anime show, Bakugan Battle Brawlers. Now the show is set to make a splash in the UK at the end of 2008, but will it reach dizzy heights over this side of the Atlantic?

All the answers seem to point to yes. After all, Bakugan is actually a tried and tested concept. It revolves around a game where small spheres are thrown and large creatures magically appear out of them. Sound familiar? It should do. A similar show known as Pokemon was a worldwide phenomenon amongst children only a few years back and now Bakugan is aiming to take the idea to the next level.

Running alongside the TV show is a toy/game that also carries the Bakugan name. Children can collect Bakugan cards and spheres and battle it out against each other. The cards hold a magnetic strip and the spheres can only be opened when they’re thrown down on the cards. This genius idea ties the game to the show very well and has proved staggeringly popular in the States.

You only have to see that Sega are part of the Bakugan team to know that this is a brand that means business. There are another four big names from the world of television and toys that are collaborating to ensure Bakugan is nothing less than a global success and so far, the plan seems to be working.

The target demographic for both the Bakugan toys and TV series is boys around the ages of 6-11 and this has proved accurate thus far in the marketing process.

The latest development is that Bakugan will now be screened in the UK but only (so far anyway) on the Cartoon Network, which isn’t a terrestrial channel. The question is, can Bakugan reign supreme if it doesn’t have a home on mainstream UK TV?

One thing is for certain though, if Bakugan does take off in the UK, then we will already know what the must-have toys will be come Christmas. So just remember, you heard it here first!

There’s more information on Bakugan at Bakugan UK.

Hot Costume Trends For 2008
By Heidi Loney

Pop Culture and Movies continue to influence costume trends and theme parties for this year. Costumes are not just for Halloween any more. Here are some of the biggest influences of the year:

Sex and the City

This is predicted to be the biggest chick flick ever! Theme parties and girls night out will never be the same. Of course, when dressing like Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte and Samantha, it won’t be complete without designer shoes and handbags, jewelry and the latest fashion forward clothing. Wigs can make this even more fun with a Sarah Jessica curly style or a sleek Samantha coif. Don’t forget to add a Cosmopolitan.

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

There was plenty of hype for this four times a charm flick, even when the hero is a senior citizen Leather whips, felt fedoras and leather bomber jackets will be all the rage. The era has been moved from World War II to the fifties with Russians as the bad guys. The black page boy will become a big hit this year fashioned after Cate Blanchette’s KGB resident naughty girl.

Ironman

This movie has already broken records at the box office. Robert Downey Jr’s Ironman is sure to be a hit - especially with the younger set. Disguise costumes is releasing a licensed costume for kids and adults that will be available by the end of the summer.

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

This has been a very big franchise in the cinema world and it will continue to be very successful in 2008 with the release of the latest movie just after Halloween. Rubies offers a large selection of officially licensed Harry Potter costumes.

Hanna Montana

Can’t say I get it, but tweens are eating this stuff up. Miley Cyrus, better know as Hannah Montana, has girls scrambling to dress in her style of clothes, makeup and accessories.

Sweeney Todd

Pack up your Jack Sparrow costume! Pirates are out and killer barbers are in - largely due to Johnny Depp’s creepy murderer. Despite it’s 2007 release, Tim Burton’s vision of Sweeney Todd is sure to be a huge hit for all come this Halloween. Who thought that Victorian squallor could be so chic (dripping with lots of blood of course).

Star Wars - The Clone Wars

30 years ago, I dressed as Princess Leia for Halloween. Who’d of thought it would be as popular as ever. Star Wars will be huge again this year with the Clone Wars - an animated feature film due in August. Rubies has a full selection of Star Wars costumes for adults and kids. What’s new? Princess Leia sexy slave outfit.

Other hot items:

It’s too early to tell, but Batman and the Incredible Hulk both are releasing movies this year, so these could be big influences.

What’s out:

Pirates have been huge for the last several years, thanks largely to Pirates of the Caribbean. This year, that trend has come to a grinding halt. It will continue to be popular with the little ones. Also, Spiderman took a nosedive in 2007, and will continue to loose ground. Superheroes have great longevity - so we will see Spidy make a comeback.

Heidi Loney has worked as a costume designer and wardrobe stylist for theatre, film and television for the last 10 years. She currently owns Ms. Dress-Up, a Toronto based retail and on-line store offering quality kids and adult dress-up clothes. Check out her website: http://www.msdress-up.com/shop/index.php

Darkfaery Subculture Magazine @ Soonercon
 
Hey, Everyone! Well, it’s spring/summer 2008 and you know that means! Events, contests, and shows! 
  This year Darkfaery Subculture/Darkspace is pleased to announce we will attending Soonercon ‘08 in a professional fashion. That’s right! After being in the hospital for most of last year I am back to work on hundreds of new projects and attending events is number one on my list. (Doing some of my own shows is second!)
If you are attending Soonercon, please come over to us and give a shout, it’s been a year or two since we were out with video and I have missed you guys. VNV Nation doesn’t really count since I was still sick and couldn’t socialize.
   We’ll be taking photos and video so you guys who are always asking when we’ll be updating our gallery with fan photos and event photos now is your chance to get in them. There will be lots of events to choose from at Soonercon so if you are trying to nail us down look for us in costume at Rocky Horror Picture Show, The Masquerade Ball, Sinnercon Dance, and probably most of the kinky events, like the kinky meet-and-greet, complete with a performance by Wicked Harem Belly Dance from Tulsa. Plans include a workshop series on the ethics and etiquette of convention (not conventional) sex, frank discussions of alternative life/lovestyles, and erotic art how-to’s. Z wanted me to remind you we can be found at the gaming tables too.
If you can’t attend, don’t worry, I’ll post info on how you can watch our videos on cable, MySpace, and YouTube. If you do come out, don’t be afraid of the camera, it won’t be afraid of you!
About DFSM/Darkspace
http://www.darkfaery-subculture.com/
http://www.dfsm.org/

About Soonercon
http://www.soonercon.info/

SoonerCon is a fan run multi-genre convention held annually in Oklahoma City.

If you’ve been around the Oklahoma City area for a while, the name may sound familiar. Here’s why. There used to be a club in Oklahoma City called STAR OKC. Like most fans, they wanted a convention. After putting on a few one-shot types in the late 1970s and early 1980s, these folks, mostly high-school age through just out of college youngsters, decided to get organized, work hard to raise some money, and try to get something started. SoonerCon 1 happened twenty one years ago, in June of 1986. The con was begun and ramrodded by the Chair of SoonerCon 1, Mike Hodge. What he and many other helpers achieved lasted through SoonerCon 13 in 1997. Lots of artist and writer guests, from Tim Powers and Gene Wolfe to Brad Foster and Robin Bailey, were welcomed to Oklahoma City. During those years SoonerCon had hundreds of staff and helpers, and up until the last few years SoonerCon was “owned” by STAR OKC.

With SoonerCon’s exclusive emphasis on traditional SF/fantasy books and art, making it a “lit con,” a move arose as well for a local charity “media con” emphasizing genre TV/film, comics, gaming and pop culture actors, designers, and other guests–especially from Star Trek. Thus was born ThunderCon, which debuted in June 2001, balancing SoonerCon’s November setting, and lasted through seven annual editions and often with staff and helpers working both. The new con operated with a non-profit board and involved all the local fan clubs interested, from Dr. Who, Babylon 5 and Trek’s Starfleet chapters to gaming, modelbuilding, real space and even Dark Shadows! With “BoomerCon” judged a little too cute for a sister event, this project was named in honor of both Oklahoma’s spring weather, its Indian heritage and the state’s heroic 45th Infantry Division, the Thunderbirds—and so ThunderCon was born, its logo even adapted from the 45th’s patch. ThunderCon was created and first run by another member of STAR OKC named Larry Nemecek, who with his wife Janet later moved to Hollywood to work on STAR TREK for Paramount. Yea, fanboys! A few other conventions have also taken place in the OKC area, but haven’t “taken root” for more than a year.

Participants in the 2008 SoonerCon Art Show Include:

Tom Kidd - http://spellcaster.com/tomkidd - SoonerCon 2008 Artist Guest of Honor!
David Lee Anderson - http://www.davidleeanderson.com
Peri Charlifu
Brad Foster - http://www.jabberwockygraphix.com
Ashen Gray - http://www.ashengray.com
Denise Hill
Rocky Kelley - http://www.rockykelley.com
Michael Sheyahshe - http://www.alternativemedia.biz
Terry Southard
Allison Stein - http://www.allisonstein.com
Bob Trobaugh
Evan Wardwell
Tim Chessmore
Cat Conrad - http://artistsinresidence.com/cat
Jan Sherrill Gephardt
W. J. Hodgson - http://www.wjhodgson.com
Dirk Hooper - http://www.dirkhooper.com
Kevin Hopkins
Marla Satterfield
Tony Trammell - http://www.dreamshipart.com
Alain Viesca - http://www.AlainVArts.com

Also Attending

Bill Allen
David Lee Anderson
Gary Babb
Julie Barrett
M. H. Bonham
Peter Bradley
James K. Burk
ShIrron Butterfly
Rachel Caine
Kimber Chessmore
Tim Chessmore
Deborah Chester
Casey Christofferson
R. Cat Conrad
Sherri Dean
Linda Donahue
Rhonda Eudaly
Randy Farran
Melanie Miller Fletcher
Brad Foster
Jan Sherrill Gephardt
Count Gregore
Bennie Grezlik
Beverly A. Hale
W.J. Hodgson
James Hollaman
Brian A. Hopkins
Kevin Hopkins
K. Hutson-Price
Gary Jonas
Rocky Kelley
Julie Kenner
Katherine Eliska Kimbriel
William Ledbetter
Julia Mandala
Mel Odom
Gloria Oliver
Cary Osborne
Jeff Provine
Oscar Ray
Marla Satterfield
Susan Satterfield
Michael Sheyahshe
Wm. Mark Simmons
Brad Sinor
Sue Sinor
Allison Stein
David Thayer aka Teddy Harvia
Tony Trammell
Steven Wedel
Martha Wells
Craig Wolf
Mario Wytch
Dr. Fear aka Brian Young
 

Tattoo Conventions A Must For Ink Lovers
By Nelly C

Tattoos have today become a symbol of personal belief, a style statement and also a mark of affiliation. Some do it purely for fashion purposes. Whatever their reasons are, tattoos are here to stay. It is not just celebrities who have made tattoos popular. Style icons have advertised tattoos by sporting them, music divas have promoted its use and the media has projected it as the trendiest thing to do for this generation.

The collective uses of imagery of artists from all over the world who have experimented tattoos with the brilliant colors and each design have emphasized the freedom of each individual. It is no wonder that tattoos have gained so much in terms of status in the modern world.

A tattoo convention aims to bring all lovers of tattoo from across the world under one roof. Numerous conventions are held across the globe and each tattoo-loving country in the world takes pride in hosting a convention which brings the creators from many parts of the world to exchange notes and admire the brilliance of one another.

Like any business convention, tattoo conventions are also places of interactivity, learning and sharing. The overall atmosphere of a tattoo convention is that of a reunion of like-minded individuals who value this art. In fact, the atmosphere is so charged, yet congenial that you can not help but get enthused yourself. A congregation of some of the most visually stunning pieces of art, created with imagination and professional expertise, right under your skin.

If you want to be part of a visually magical world and meet some of the most brilliant artists from around the world, behind the most mind-boggling designs. Going to a convention near you is a must!

Checkout some of the Tattoo Conventions in 2008.

Tattoo - ology - The Pursuit of Tattoo (tatau) Perfection.

On A Role Play - The Fantasy World of Gaming Conventions
By Andrew Regan

Since 2003, Indianapolis has been host to Gen Con, one of America’s largest role-playing game conventions. The event takes place at the Indianapolis Convention Center.

Gen Con began in 1967 as an informal gathering of war game enthusiasts at Lake Geneva, in the Wisconsin home of Dungeons & Dragons creator Gary Gygax. A year later, Gygax organised the first formal convention at the Lake Geneva Horticultural Hall with roughly 100 attendees.

Gen Con’s name is a derivation of “Geneva Convention”, given the convention’s origins in Lake Geneva. The name is also a play on words, as the Geneva Conventions are the name of a set of important international treaties regarding war, and the earliest Gen Cons had a focus on wargames.

Attendance steadily rose from five thousand paid admissions in 1985 to a peak of 30,000 in 1994, making Gen Con the premier event in the role-playing game industry. In 2005, it was reported that Gen Con generated the most direct visitor spending of any annual convention in Indianapolis.

In 2006, Gen Con organisers announced plans to provide more show space for video games, to allow video game businesses a place to show their products after the downsizing of the Electronic Entertainmnt Expo (E3), the annual trade show for the computer and video games industry. Gen Con described their intentions as to “pick up where E3 left off”, despite Gen Con’s owner Peter Adkison several years earlier claiming that he did not want Gen Con to become a “mini E3″.

Gen Con LLC also runs Star Wars Celebration, the official Star Wars convention. The second and third Star Wars Celebration events, held in 2002 and 2005, to mark the release of ‘Attack Of The Clones’ and ‘Revenge of The Sith’ respectively, were both also held at the Indianaplis Convention Center.

Celebration III in 2005 saw over thirty thousand fans attend over the course of the weekend. One of this celebration’s most noteworthy events was the unprecedented Q&A session with Star Wars creator Geroge Lucas, his first such appearance since the Star Wars 10th Anniversary Convention in 1987. With approximately ten thousand fans in attendance over the course of three half-hour sessions, Lucas personally answered several dozen fans’ questions about the saga.

Gen Con’s success has lead to the show travelling to a number of other countries including France, Spain and the UK, where the event has been taken place annually since 1994, at various locations throughout the country.

Gen Con 2008 takes place in August and promises to be another fun-packed weekend which will undoubtedly attract many convention-goers, so hotels in Indianapolis are likely to be in demand by anyone wishing to get in on the action for themselves, so it makes sense to book early to avoid disappointment.

Andrew Regan is an online, freelance author from Scotland. He is a keen rugby player and enjoys travelling.

How To Put Videos On PSP In 4 Simple Steps
By Billy Torecki

Sony’s little wonder machine is a real jack of all trades in the electronic entertainment field-there really isn’t too much that it can’t do but I’ve noticed that out of all my friends that have PSP’s, not one person uses it for movies! I found this a little odd, until I realised that none of them know how to do it! It’s not as hard as people seem to think so hopefully once you’ve read this article you’ll know how to put videos on PSP, and I can get my friends to look at this article instead of asking me questions all the time!

The first thing that stops most people from finding out how to put videos on PSP is they don’t have enough free memory-You are going to need to buy as big a memory stick as you can afford-512mb is going to be the bare minimum here.

The second essential is to have a computer handy which you can link to the PSP via a USB cable. An internet connection will be useful too, but is not essential unless there are things you need to download.

1-Connect the computer and the PSP together, making sure that the PSP is switched off to begin with, and switch the PSP on once the connection is made.

2-With the PSP go into the SETTINGS menu, and press X, which should link the PSP to the computer. If you then go into MY COMPUTER on the computer, you should see an extra volume has been attached. This is the PSP/Playstation Portable.

3-Open the PSP memory card and then open the folder called PSP. With this open you need to create another folder inside that one, this one called “MP_ROOT” and then another one called “100mnv01”

4-Save the movies you want to watch in the folder “100mnv01” and then you are ready to rock! The movies can be started by clicking on the saved image inside the memory card. One thing to note though is that the movies need to be in MP4 format (Google it), and if you want to convert your existing DVDs etc to this format you may want to get some specialized software.

Okay there we are, how to put videos on PSP in 4 easy steps!

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Billy Torecki is the webmaster at http://www.psptipsntricks.com